Party-Perfect Flavors to Savor with Friends

(Family Features) No matter the occasion, a good host knows that great food is the key to any party. These crowd-pleasing snacks and desserts are the perfect treats to make your gathering just a little sweeter.

Find more party-worthy recipes at Culinary.net.

A Naturally Sweet Party Treat
Easy-to-make Cinnamon Honey Buns are a delicious treat party-goers will adore. Naturally sweetened by the addition of honey, they make for a wonderful addition to any spread. Learn more about the health and flavor benefits of honey, and find delicious recipes, at honey.com.

Cinnamon Honey Buns
Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board
Servings: 12

• 1/4       cup butter or margarine, softened and divided
• 1/2       cup honey, divided
• 1/2       cup chopped, toasted nuts (optional)
• 2          teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1          pound frozen bread dough, thawed according to package directions
• 2/3       cup raisins

1. Grease 12 muffin cups with 1 tablespoon butter.
2. To prepare honey nut topping: Mix together 1 tablespoon butter, 1/4 cup honey and chopped nuts, if desired. Place 1 teaspoon topping in each muffin cup.
3. To prepare buns: Mix together remaining butter, remaining honey and cinnamon. Roll out bread dough onto floured surface into 18-by-8-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly over dough. Sprinkle evenly with raisins.
4. Starting with long side, roll dough into log. Cut log into 12 slices, 1 1/2 inches each. Place one slice, cut-side up, into each prepared muffin cup. Set muffin pan in warm place; let dough rise 30 minutes.
5. Heat oven to 375° F.
6. Place muffin pan on foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes, or until buns are golden brown. Remove from oven; cool in pan 5 minutes. Invert muffin pan to remove buns.

An Award-Worthy Snack
Whether you’re gearing up for awards season or spending an evening catching up on your favorite TV drama, there are plenty of small screen events that provide the perfect backdrop for a watch party. Gather your friends and family and get ready to tune in to a fun-filled evening with this delicious snack.

Since no party is complete without a delicious food spread, create finger foods that fit the theme of your viewing party. An iconic option like microwave popcorn is sure to be a crowd-pleaser because of its delicious flavor and versatility. Whether you create an enticing popcorn station with fun mix-ins or prepare mouthwatering snacks like festive Mini Popcorn Balls with Chocolate Fondue, microwave popcorn is always a party pleaser. Use a high-quality gourmet popcorn, such as Orville Redenbacher’s, which is the only leading brand that uses real butter. From buttery to sweet and savory, all varieties feature non-GMO, 100 percent whole-grain kernels that pop up lighter and fluffier than ordinary popcorn.

Pop onto orville.com to find more recipes for your watch party, or look for Orville Redenbacher’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Mini Popcorn Balls with Chocolate ‘Fondue’
Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12

• 1          bag Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop! 94 Percent Fat-Free Butter Microwave Popcorn
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1/4       cup stick butter or margarine (1/4 cup = 1/2 stick)
• 1          package (10 ounces) marshmallows
• 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2    cups light chocolate syrup
• colored candy sprinkles (optional)

1. Prepare popcorn according to package directions. Remove all un-popped kernels. Spray large bowl with nonstick spray; add popped corn.
2. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add marshmallows and vanilla. Heat 5 minutes, or until marshmallows melt, stirring frequently. Pour over popcorn; mix well with spoon sprayed with cooking spray. Moisten hands with water before shaping popcorn mixture into 24 small balls, about 1/3-cup popcorn mixture each.
3. In small saucepan, heat chocolate syrup over medium heat 5 minutes, or until warm, stirring occasionally. Transfer to small, fondue-style pot.
4. Use wooden skewers or fondue forks to pick up popcorn balls and dip into chocolate and sprinkles, if desired.

An Un-beet-able Dessert
There’s nothing like a colorful dessert to cap off an evening of entertaining. These vibrant cupcakes don't need artificial dyes to give them their red hue. The secret ingredient is beet, which adds coloring and packs fiber, manganese and iron. Find more healthful recipes perfect for any gathering at aicr.org.

Red Velvet Cupcakes
Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research
Servings: 12

• 1          cup canned beets, drained
• 1/2       cup reduced-fat buttermilk, divided
• 1/2       teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4       cup, plus 2 tablespoons, unbleached all-purpose flour
• 6          tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa, plus 1-2 tablespoons for decorating
• 1/2       teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2       teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2       teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2       teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/3       cup canola oil, chilled
• 3/4       cup sugar
• 1          large egg, cold

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2/3       cup confectioners’ sugar
• 4          tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1/2-1    teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Drop paper liners into 12-cavity muffin pan.
2. Working knife up and down in measuring cup, coarsely chop beets. Place beets in blender, add 1/4 cup buttermilk and blend until beets are finely chopped. Add remaining buttermilk, vinegar and vanilla and blend to puree. Set beet mixture aside.
3. In small bowl, combine flour, 6 tablespoons cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt, and set aside.
4. In medium bowl, combine oil and sugar. With hand mixer on medium speed, mix until sugar is evenly moistened. Add cold egg and beat on high until mixture resembles mayonnaise and sugar is almost completely dissolved, 90 seconds. Add beet mixture and beat until combined. Sift dry ingredients into bowl and mix, either on low speed or by hand until combined with wet ingredients.
5. Divide batter evenly among lined muffin cups, filling them about two-thirds full.
6. Bake cupcakes 28-30 minutes, or until tops feel springy. Immediately transfer cupcakes to wire rack and cool completely before frosting.
7. Ice cupcakes, using about 1 tablespoon frosting for each. Place remaining cocoa in strainer and sprinkle over frosted cupcakes. If desired, let cupcakes sit at room temperature to allow frosting to set, about 2 hours.

Note: Frosted cupcakes can sit at room temperature for up to 12 hours.

To make Cream Cheese Frosting: In small bowl, work sugar and cream cheese together with wooden spoon or hand mixer until combined. Mix in vanilla.

Note: Frosting is best when refrigerated 8 hours or overnight, loosely covered, before using. It keeps in refrigerator 5 days.

Cinnamon Honey Bun photo
(photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Red Velvet Cupcakes photo
(photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Create Lasting Memories with Holiday Meals

(Family Features) From savory starters and sides to a show-stopping main course, there are so many recipes to choose from this season. The secret to creating those hallmark holiday moments – the ones that leave us with delicious memories – is choosing the right dish.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect recipe for the special holiday meal, an office potluck or a simple snack to warm up with after ice skating, these recipes are an easy way to elevate any moment with tastes you’ll savor for years to come – and leftovers you’ll devour the next day.

“Pork lends itself to a multitude of flavors and preparation methods, making it the perfect protein for any occasion,” said Pamela Johnson, Director of Consumer Communications at the National Pork Board. “You can transform a classic ham with a simple glaze or mix up your starters by adding a nutty, Spanish-inspired sauce to tender pork meatballs – giving those traditional dishes everyone loves a special touch.”

For more holiday recipes, visit PorkBeinspired.com, or try the interactive Pork Be Inspired Facebook bot that provides pork fans with great-tasting recipes. Just visit the Pork Be Inspired Facebook page, open Facebook Messenger and say, “Hi.” The bot will respond by asking questions to help you find the right recipe. You can also uncover more inspiration from the National Pork Board on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

Thyme-Basted Ham with Roasted Grapes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2-2 1/2 hours
Servings: 15-20 (4 ounces each)

• 1          cooked, bone-in ham (6-8 pounds), trimmed
• pepper
• 1/2       cup grape jelly
• 4          tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into 4-6 pieces
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• 3          cups whole grapes (red, green or a combination)
• 4          shallots, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch slices

1. Preheat oven to 325° F. Position rack in lower third of oven.
2. In large shallow roasting pan, place ham flat-side down and score a diamond pattern about 1/8-inch deep into any fat. Season with pepper and bake 1 1/2 hours.
3. Meanwhile, in small saucepan over medium heat, combine jelly, butter and thyme, whisking occasionally until jelly and butter melt together and mixture comes to gentle boil, 1-2 minutes. Cover and set aside. In medium bowl, combine grapes and shallots. Set aside.
4. Baste ham with jelly mixture. Continue baking, basting with jelly mixture and/or pan juices about every 15 minutes. When ham’s internal temperature reaches 120° F, add grapes and shallots to roasting pan, stirring to coat with pan juices. Continue baking and basting until internal temperature reaches 140° F, 15-18 minutes per pound. Remove ham from oven, transfer to cutting board and let rest 15-30 minutes. If grapes and shallots aren’t tender yet, return roasting pan to oven.
5. Slice enough ham to serve and arrange on plates or platter. Season roasted grapes, shallots and pan juice mixture with pepper, and spoon some on top of ham. Serve remaining grape mixture on side.

Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Romesco
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10 (40 meatballs)

• 1 1/2    pounds lean ground pork
• vegetable oil, for the baking sheet
• 3/4       cup plain dried bread crumbs
• 1          large egg, beaten
• 2          tablespoons dry sherry (optional)
• 2          tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1          teaspoon sweet paprika (preferably smoked paprika)
• 2          garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4       teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 40        red-pepper-stuffed green olives (not large)
• 40        wooden toothpicks or bamboo cocktail spears, for serving

Romesco Sauce:

• 1          large garlic clove, crushed under knife, peeled
• 2          drained, jarred roasted red bell peppers
• 1/4       cup sliced natural almonds
• 2          teaspoons sherry or red wine vinegar
• 1          teaspoon sweet paprika (preferably smoked paprika)
• 1/2       teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/3       cup extra-virgin olive oil

To make Romesco Sauce: In food processor, drop garlic through feed tube to mince. Stop machine and add peppers, almonds, vinegar, paprika, oregano and salt. Pulse about 10 times until minced. With processor running, slowly pour oil through feed tube. Transfer to serving bowl. Makes about 1 1/4 cup sauce.

To make meatballs: Preheat oven to 400° F. Lightly oil large rimmed baking sheet. In large bowl, mix bread crumbs, egg, sherry, parsley, paprika, garlic and pepper. Add ground pork and mix thoroughly but gently with hands. Using about 1 tablespoon of meat mixture for each, shape into 40 meatballs. Stuff 1 olive in center of each meatball then completely enclose olive. Arrange meatballs on baking sheet.

Bake meatballs 15 minutes. Turn meatballs over and continue baking until cooked through and browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer meatballs to serving platter. Spear with toothpicks and serve hot with Romesco Sauce for dipping.

Note: Romesco sauce can be covered and refrigerated up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Five-Spice Pork and Apple Salad
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          pound pork tenderloin
• 2          teaspoons Chinese five-spice, divided
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon black pepper
• 1          Fuji apple or other sweet-tart apple
• 1/4       red onion
• 3          tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
• 2          tablespoons canola oil or other neutral-flavored oil
• 12        cups mixed greens (about 6 ounces)

1. Preheat oven to 425° F.
2. Season tenderloin on all sides with 1 1/2 teaspoons five-spice powder, salt and pepper. Place tenderloin in shallow pan and roast about 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches between 145° F (medium-rare) and 160° F (medium).
3. While pork is cooking, core and thinly slice apple. Thinly slice onion.
4. While pork is resting, in large bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil and remaining five-spice powder. Add greens, apple and onion; toss. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, if desired. Arrange salad on plates or platter.
5. Cut pork into thin slices. Arrange on top of salads and serve.

Prepare Your Home for Holiday Entertaining

(Family Features) As the holiday season approaches and you’re tasked with hosting family and friends, it can be a little overwhelming to imagine all the work that has to take place for a successful celebration.

However, there’s no reason the host can’t join in the fun. To help keep calm and have your home ready for the party, follow these tips.

Cleaning
More often than not, the first step to readying your home for a house full of guests is to clean. Start by going room to room seeking out trash, recyclables and things that can be stored away – anything to clear up much-needed space. Once the clutter is cleared, work from the top down to clean surfaces, so any dust or debris that hits the floor can be vacuumed or swept neatly away. Remember to steer clear of harsh or highly fragrant chemicals, which may be an irritant to some guests.

Upgrading
Don’t try to sneak by with old appliances this time around. Instead, upgrade your most important resources throughout the house in order to find success when it comes to playing host. For example, swapping out your old, cluttered refrigerator for a Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator with industry-first infinity slide shelves is a useful way to create more space in the kitchen. Its pantry-inspired layout lets families fit and find all their edible favorites. Every section, shelf and bin in the refrigerator was redesigned to deliver smart organization with panoramic shelves and unique features to store 30 percent more than other leading French door bottom mount refrigerators. Perfect for a big shopping run before a party, the refrigerator features dedicated spaces places like the Treasure Bin, Platter Pocket and Small Items Bin to give maximum visibility and easy access when it’s time for the food prep to begin.

Planning
Staying organized and having a precise plan are vital to putting together the perfect night with family and friends. Make sure to nail down the specifics, such as the number of guests, what food will be brought, what needs prepared in advance and what can wait until the big day. Making lists and involving others in the family to help can make a seemingly insurmountable volume of work feel instantly manageable. As you think through your plans, remember to anticipate the unexpected and have an emergency party kit on hand to quickly respond to pitfalls, like spills or broken glass, before they derail the festivities.

Decorating
With all the energy you put into planning and upgrading, don’t overlook the importance of taking time to make your home shine with a creative touch. Go festive with holiday-specific decor or keep it classic with timeless decorations placed throughout the home to make it really sparkle. For close family and friends, consider adding personal touches like mementos of holidays past. Or go with a themed approach with similar colors and textures that you carry throughout the house.

Get Organized for Entertaining
Hosting a holiday gathering is no small feat, but you can get organized ahead of the big day with these entertaining tips.

Set the guest list early: Send out invites in advance. Longer notice allows for you to better gauge who will be attending and how much food you’ll need to make. Rather than waiting to see who shows up and who doesn’t, send out RSVPs via mail or email so that you have a precise idea of how many people to plan for.

Plan the menu ahead of time: From drinks to side dishes to dessert, with special storage spots and industry-first infinity slide shelves, Whirlpool’s French Door Refrigerator allows you to store 30 percent more so you can buy all your groceries in advance. This way you won’t have to worry about running to the store just moments before guests arrive.

Set the table the day before: Organizing where you can, such as setting out plates and silverware in advance, allows you to focus on preparing food and drinks on the day of the party. Unless you’ll be using fresh cut flowers, go ahead and complete the centerpieces and any other decorative touches the night before, as well.

Make a party-night cheat sheet: Keep a checklist nearby so you don’t forget about any of your delicious courses or what tasks need completed throughout the evening. Remember to include items like refreshing the ice bucket and swapping out buffet dishes or appetizer platters periodically.

For more ideas to upgrade your kitchen, visit whirlpool.com.

Thoughtful Gifts

The secret to easy gift-giving

(Family Features) When gift-giving has you stumped, turn to what you know: the characteristics and interests that make your recipient unique. A thoughtful gift that shows you recognize and care about the qualities that make your loved one or friend special is a sure winner every time.

For the Adventurer
Trying to match the thrills an adventurer finds in his/her outrageous pursuits can be a challenge, but a certificate toward a thrilling experience may just fit the bill. Whizzing through a zip line course or taking the plunge with a sky diving simulator are two ways to feed the need for adrenaline. With more and more cities adding these pseudo-extreme adventures to their local attraction lists, you can easily find an adrenaline-inducing activity that will excite your loved one. Tuck a gift certificate for the experience into a brochure, and if you find yourself intrigued, make the certificate amount good for an adventure for two.

For the Creative One
For many, adult coloring has become a fun individual or group activity and a creative way to de-stress during the hectic holiday season. As most artists know, the tools you use to create a masterpiece make all the difference, so why not arm your loved ones with the quality tools they need to bring their artwork to life? Help them take their coloring to the next level with the Prismacolor Adult Coloring Kit. Featuring a variety of coloring tools, including professional artist-quality soft core colored pencils, an illustration marker, a premier kneaded eraser, sharpener and a whimsical coloring booklet, this kit has everything adult colorists need. The colored pencils deliver a smooth application, superior blendability, subtle gradation and rich color saturation that will make their coloring pop.

For the Techie
Whether they’re waiting in line at 5 a.m. for the latest gadget release or scoping out the newest trends in tech, finding presents to gift your tech-obsessed friends and family is no easy feat. To determine the type of gift that suits them best, think about other activities they enjoy. For avid runners and fitness buffs, consider a personalized fitness activity tracker or smart watch. On the hunt for a gift for the music lover in your life? Maybe a portable speaker or pair of new headphones would catch their eye. If all else fails, a gift certificate to their favorite store is always a good option.

When it comes to giving meaningful gifts, focus on personal traits and you’ll quickly transform an empty list into one filled with possibilities for making this holiday season joyful and bright.

Family passing out gifts image courtesy of Getty Images.

Create Lasting Memories with Holiday Meals

(Family Features) From savory starters and sides to a show-stopping main course, there are so many recipes to choose from this season. The secret to creating those hallmark holiday moments – the ones that leave us with delicious memories – is choosing the right dish.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect recipe for the special holiday meal, an office potluck or a simple snack to warm up with after ice skating, these recipes are an easy way to elevate any moment with tastes you’ll savor for years to come – and leftovers you’ll devour the next day.

“Pork lends itself to a multitude of flavors and preparation methods, making it the perfect protein for any occasion,” said Pamela Johnson, Director of Consumer Communications at the National Pork Board. “You can transform a classic ham with a simple glaze or mix up your starters by adding a nutty, Spanish-inspired sauce to tender pork meatballs – giving those traditional dishes everyone loves a special touch.”

For more holiday recipes, visit PorkBeinspired.com, or try the interactive Pork Be Inspired Facebook bot that provides pork fans with great-tasting recipes. Just visit the Pork Be Inspired Facebook page, open Facebook Messenger and say, “Hi.” The bot will respond by asking questions to help you find the right recipe. You can also uncover more inspiration from the National Pork Board on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

Thyme-Basted Ham with Roasted Grapes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2-2 1/2 hours
Servings: 15-20 (4 ounces each)

• 1          cooked, bone-in ham (6-8 pounds), trimmed
• pepper
• 1/2       cup grape jelly
• 4          tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), cut into 4-6 pieces
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• 3          cups whole grapes (red, green or a combination)
• 4          shallots, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch slices

1. Preheat oven to 325° F. Position rack in lower third of oven.
2. In large shallow roasting pan, place ham flat-side down and score a diamond pattern about 1/8-inch deep into any fat. Season with pepper and bake 1 1/2 hours.
3. Meanwhile, in small saucepan over medium heat, combine jelly, butter and thyme, whisking occasionally until jelly and butter melt together and mixture comes to gentle boil, 1-2 minutes. Cover and set aside. In medium bowl, combine grapes and shallots. Set aside.
4. Baste ham with jelly mixture. Continue baking, basting with jelly mixture and/or pan juices about every 15 minutes. When ham’s internal temperature reaches 120° F, add grapes and shallots to roasting pan, stirring to coat with pan juices. Continue baking and basting until internal temperature reaches 140° F, 15-18 minutes per pound. Remove ham from oven, transfer to cutting board and let rest 15-30 minutes. If grapes and shallots aren’t tender yet, return roasting pan to oven.
5. Slice enough ham to serve and arrange on plates or platter. Season roasted grapes, shallots and pan juice mixture with pepper, and spoon some on top of ham. Serve remaining grape mixture on side.

Stuffed Pork Meatballs with Romesco
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10 (40 meatballs)

• 1 1/2    pounds lean ground pork
• vegetable oil, for the baking sheet
• 3/4       cup plain dried bread crumbs
• 1          large egg, beaten
• 2          tablespoons dry sherry (optional)
• 2          tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1          teaspoon sweet paprika (preferably smoked paprika)
• 2          garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4       teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 40        red-pepper-stuffed green olives (not large)
• 40        wooden toothpicks or bamboo cocktail spears, for serving

Romesco Sauce:

• 1          large garlic clove, crushed under knife, peeled
• 2          drained, jarred roasted red bell peppers
• 1/4       cup sliced natural almonds
• 2          teaspoons sherry or red wine vinegar
• 1          teaspoon sweet paprika (preferably smoked paprika)
• 1/2       teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/3       cup extra-virgin olive oil

To make Romesco Sauce: In food processor, drop garlic through feed tube to mince. Stop machine and add peppers, almonds, vinegar, paprika, oregano and salt. Pulse about 10 times until minced. With processor running, slowly pour oil through feed tube. Transfer to serving bowl. Makes about 1 1/4 cup sauce.

To make meatballs: Preheat oven to 400° F. Lightly oil large rimmed baking sheet. In large bowl, mix bread crumbs, egg, sherry, parsley, paprika, garlic and pepper. Add ground pork and mix thoroughly but gently with hands. Using about 1 tablespoon of meat mixture for each, shape into 40 meatballs. Stuff 1 olive in center of each meatball then completely enclose olive. Arrange meatballs on baking sheet.

Bake meatballs 15 minutes. Turn meatballs over and continue baking until cooked through and browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer meatballs to serving platter. Spear with toothpicks and serve hot with Romesco Sauce for dipping.

Note: Romesco sauce can be covered and refrigerated up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Five-Spice Pork and Apple Salad
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          pound pork tenderloin
• 2          teaspoons Chinese five-spice, divided
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon black pepper
• 1          Fuji apple or other sweet-tart apple
• 1/4       red onion
• 3          tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
• 2          tablespoons canola oil or other neutral-flavored oil
• 12        cups mixed greens (about 6 ounces)

1. Preheat oven to 425° F.
2. Season tenderloin on all sides with 1 1/2 teaspoons five-spice powder, salt and pepper. Place tenderloin in shallow pan and roast about 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches between 145° F (medium-rare) and 160° F (medium).
3. While pork is cooking, core and thinly slice apple. Thinly slice onion.
4. While pork is resting, in large bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil and remaining five-spice powder. Add greens, apple and onion; toss. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, if desired. Arrange salad on plates or platter.
5. Cut pork into thin slices. Arrange on top of salads and serve.